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The F30 3 Series went on sale in China in June with strong initial sales. The 21 Chinese dealers each reporting intiial orders of 100 and 200 cars each. Concerns of a weak economy deflating initial sales went unfounded, which was a relive for the German auto maker which has invested heavily in the Chinese market.

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Orders for BMW’s new generation extended 3-series sedan at its biggest dealer in China have exceeded expectations. Eight days since sales began on June 8, each of China’s Yongda’s 21 BMW outlets has received between 100 and 200 orders, said Dong Wei, vice president of the dealer group. The stretched sedan has a starting price of 340,000 yuan ($53,550). Wei said that before the sale date of the car, there were apprehensions that customers are uncertain about its pricing. The high sales reflect the wider demand for the top-selling sedan. This will aid BMW to reduce the gap with Audi in China and eases worries that the economic slowdown has resulted to the decreasing demand for luxury vehicles.

To ensure a strong foot hold in the developing Chinese market BMW has started developing product to meet the unique Chinese needs. In China back seat space is highly prized so BMW has built a Chinese F30 with an extended wheel base increasing leg room several inches. The Chinese market will likely surpass the United States and Germany as the largest single market for BMW and the long wheel base F30 3 series helps ensure they are a market leader.

Overall strong sales of the F30 3 Series in China is a good sign for the global economy. With Europe mired in debt developing markets are that much more important to keep the economy moving.